When properly chosen according to your boating needs, cheap trolling motors are very good bargains. However, caution must be exercised as choosing the right second hand trolling motors must be complemented with paying the right prices for them.
Retail Price of Brand New Trolling Motors
Usually, the price of secondhand trolling motors in good condition must play in the range between 50-60 percent of the retail price for their brand-new counterparts. Thus, you must do your research so that you have ammunition during price negotiations! At the very least, you have a starting point for comparative purposes.
Exterior and Interior Condition
Before buying the cheap trolling motors, you should have conducted visual inspections and audio tests that will make damages and deteriorations obvious. From these engine tests, you should be able to secure information on repairs to be done and replacement parts to be purchased. You will then be able to deduct part of the costs from the initial selling price, which is only fair and equitable.
Depreciation Value
Normal wear and tear must be accounted for when purchasing secondhand trolling motors, which in accounting circles is called depreciation value. If the straight-line method of depreciation is used, you can deduct fixed figures from the original purchase cost for every year that the cheap trolling motors have been used until these are sold to you. For example, if the trolling motor was originally purchased for $1,000 and has a life expectancy of 10 years, then the depreciation for each year would be $100. If it was sold to you after two years of original purchase, then you can take the $200 depreciation into account when haggling for the right price.
Level of Maintenance Care
However, you must also consider that degree with which the original owner exercised proper maintenance. He/she will also ask for a higher price based on the good condition of the cheap trolling motors even after many years have lapsed. Admittedly, there are many factors to be considered when purchasing second hand trolling motors at a price agreeable to both buyer and seller. But with adequate research, satisfactory inspections and good haggling skills, you definitely can!